bio

Bio

Erik Heuler, Associate AIA, LEED AP+ BD+C, Homes

Project Manager

I grew up with a deep appreciation for both the natural and built environments. As a child I would spend a lot of time in the city, experiencing its simple and sophisticated urbanity while visiting family. I was drawn in by the street art of the late 1970's and early 1980's. In contrast, I would often spend childhood vacations camping at National and State parks throughout the country. This instilled in me an appreciation and respect for nature. Given this dichotomy, pursuing an education in architecture, that also considered the environment, seemed like a natural progression.

As a current Project Manager at Peter Caradonna Architecture and Planning (PCA) I have had the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting projects, both residential and commercial, you can see some of these on the architecture page. Since joining PCA in 2005 I have taken part in all phases of project management from initial client meetings and schematic design, through construction documents and construction administration. I have also work on various competition entries and a number of LEED Certifications for both in house and consulting projects, representing a variety of project team members from owners, construction managers, and sub contractors. However, it is the work I have done on projects like the Suffolk County Environmental Center in Islip, NY and a Zero Energy House for the Town of Babylon that helps fulfill my ambition to work on green buildings. Outside of the office I have lectured to architecture students and professionals on green building, the LEED rating system and the Integrated Design process.

Additionally, I currently volunteer for the United States Green Building Council Long Island Chapter (USGBC-LI) by actively participating in events, speaking at chapter sponsored programs, and helping to build the chapters partnerships with other organizations. As the current Chair of the Residential Green Building Committee I have work on LEED for Homes projects for Habitat for Humanity and United Way. I also served as Chair of the Technical Committee for the first Attainable Long Island green home design competition, and actively advocate for green building practices throughout Long Island. This passion for green architecture started while I was a student at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT).

While a student at NYIT, where I graduated with a five-year Bachelors of Architecture degree and was awarded the American Institute of Architects School Medal and Certificate of Merritt from the Henry Adams Fund for Excellence in Academic Performance, I tried to find projects that were challenging and provided insight into the way decisions are made and buildings work. The most significant experience I had while at NYIT was my involvement in the schools entry into the 2005 Solar Decathlon, a USDOE sponsored event where students from around the world design, build, and operate a completely solar powered home on the mall in Washington, DC. My role on the design was to investigate the homes natural systems including natural ventilation and passive heating to help determine the number and placement of windows. In addition to working on the homes design I helped build it three separate times, once on the NYIT campus, again on the National Mall in Washington, DC, and finally in its current location on the campus of the US Merchant Marine Academy in Great Neck, NY. This experience has proven to be a pivotal point in my career.

During my free time I enjoy visiting the places I learned to love as a child, the built and natural environments, but with a greater appreciation.